News

The Canberra Symphony Orchestra v Simon Crean

We’ve just been sent a highly unusual open letter expressing the CSO’s displeasure with recent comments made by the Commonwealth Arts Minister Simon Crean.

It finishes thusly:

I believe the CSO does more than enough to warrant recognition of our unique place as the professional orchestra of the nation’s capital. To confuse us with the ANU or the School of Music is a parochial error which does nothing beyond making it more difficult for us to gain the partnership support in this community which you urge us to seek.

Much has been made in the local press recently about the negative perception of Canberra beyond the ACT borders. I ask that you, in this centenary year, recognise and respect the achievements of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra as the professional orchestra of the nation’s capital.

What’s Your opinion?

Certainly ABC Classic FM has been very supportive. Last year’s Canberra Music festival was well covered by the radio network, with several live concerts broadcast. Monday’s symphonic performance was also broadcast live (well, delayed by several minutes), and it was well promoted on the network. Also (at least in the mornings) much was given to Canberra’s big day.